Pastor's Blog

As we look back at their situation, we can hardly blame the northern tribes for their rebellion. Solomon's son - Rehoboam - appears as a tactless tyrant … foolishly refusing to listen to wise counsel. Yet the saddest aspect of the split between the two kingdoms - under Rehoboam and Jeroboam - was not the political disunity which resulted … but the beginning of state support of idolatry in the north. Rival cults dedicated to the worship of the Baals were established at Bethel in the south of Israel … and at Dan in the north. God had again been replaced by golden calves.

It's interesting to note that, down to the fall of the northern kingdom in 722 BC, Israel had 19 Kings with nine dynasties or royal houses. Kingship meant a violent struggle for power. In Judah, on the other hand, there were only 20 Kings over the course of much longer period – and they all belonged to the royal line of David, that is, to one dynasty.

Prayer:Lord of history, through the study of Your Holy Word enable us to learn all that you would teach us. Give us godly wisdom to avoid the errors of the past and follow what is good and right. Amen.